'Saying' in the Bible

Though you, Israel, play the prostitute [by worshiping idols],Do not let Judah become guilty [of the same thing];And do not go to Gilgal [where idols are worshiped],Or go up to Beth-aven (House of Wickedness),Nor swear [oaths in idolatrous worship, saying],“As the Lord lives!”

I will go away and return to My place [on high]Until they acknowledge their offense and bear their guilt and seek My face;In their distress they will earnestly seek Me, saying,

He has rejected your calf, O Samaria, saying,“My anger burns against them!”How long will they be incapable of innocence?

In fact, they are now saying,“We have no king!For we do not fear the Lord.What can a king do for us?”

Even now they persist in sin! They make metal images for themselves, idols that they skillfully fashion from their own silver; all of them are nothing but the work of craftsmen! There is a saying about them: "Those who sacrifice to the calf idol are calf kissers!"

Where now is your king,that he may save you in all your cities,and the rulers you demanded, saying,“Give me a king and leaders”?

Assyria won't save us; we won't be riding on horses, Nor will we be saying anymore to the work of our hands, "You are our God." Indeed, in you the orphan finds mercy.'